The Pentagon's Industrial Capabilities report points to the strong performance by the defense industry while noting the long-term challenges of maintaining a skilled workforce. The Defense Department is in contact with the Aerospace Industries Association on the issue.

A report by the Defense Department cites the potential risk of losing access to electronic components and rare materials that are needed for communications equipment. The US military represents a relatively small market for the electronics industry.

Gen. Tony Thomas, who heads the Special Operations Command, says it is time for wholesale upgrades to field equipment, including drones and communications gear. "Incremental improvements are no longer enough," he said, citing current technologies available.

The State Department is highlighting the $19.6 billion in current weapons sales to Japan, including F-35 and Osprey MV-22 aircraft. South Korea has received $26 billion in goods and services under the Foreign Military Sales program since 2000. The US has sold equipment to Japan and South Korea "in the face of North Korea's dangerous and unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs," according to the State Department.

Lockheed Martin's AEHF-5 satellite has passed thermal vacuum chamber tests for the Air Force. The satellite is part of the $15 billion Advanced Extremely High-Frequency program to develop secure satellite communications.

Some students in a Colorado school district are enrolling in science, technology, engineering and math programs to gain specialized skills and experience. The pathways include specialized classes, an internship with a local business and a senior design class where students work on multifaceted projects.

Aerojet Rocketdyne's Greg Jones says the wave of launch vehicle companies cropping up will eventually face a reckoning. "Eighty or 90% won't make it to the end. Maybe there's room for a dozen launch vehicles worldwide or something on that level," he said.